If you haven't heard of them before, I encourage you to go to the website and in particular watch the video and see what impact a shoe box can have on a child's life. You can also download the brochures (like the one I have on my box) which will guide you in how to choose suitable gifts.

No shoebox? Well, I didn't have one either and not wanting to buy a pair of shoes, I went to my local shoe shop and asked if they had any spare boxes and they happily gave me one. They told me that people ask for them all the time and if they don't give away their spare boxes they end of throwing them into the recycling bin.

When it comes to filling the shoebox, it is recommended that you choose something from each of six categories - something to wear, something to love, something special, some things for school, something to play with and something for personal hygiene.

Last night I started on my Something to Love gift - a knitted teddy bear. I've made a lot of these over the years and find that they are just the right size to fit into a shoe box. I'm making mine in 8ply and they usually take an evening to knit and another to sew up. On the Operation Christmas Child website you can also find some other patterns for gifts as well.

The Australian boxes have to be in by October and I have a few other things I want to make as well - so I had better get cracking!

Comments

We love to participate in the Operation Christmas Child program, too! We were told that you can also use the plastic boxes that come with lids (we find them at our local dollar store) if you can't find the cardboard boxes. Just secure the lid with a rubber band. :) The child who is the recipient of your box will undoubtedly love that teddy bear!

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